Eric Clapton: Solo in the '70s

He built his reputation as a guitar maestro playing biting blues in loud groups, but solo, Eric Clapton expanded his soulful palette. Inspired by the down-home delights of The Band, he added the strutting R&B of “Lay Down Sally,” the country shuffle of “Promises,” and the funky reggae of “I Shot the Sheriff” to his arsenal, highlighting his scuffed voice as much as that ferocious guitar.